Super FAQs

The general super guarantee rate is 12% in 2026–27. It is usually calculated on qualifying earnings, and a maximum contribution base applies. Awards, contracts and salary packages can provide more.

From 1 July 2026, super is paid with salary or wages and generally needs to reach the fund within seven business days. Compare each payslip with the fund transaction; the payslip alone does not prove receipt.

Sign in to myGov, open ATO online services and choose the super section. It can show accounts reported under your identity and super held by the ATO. Compare the list with old payslips and employment records.

An old name, address or missing tax file number can prevent an automatic match. Contact a known fund using independently verified details, and do not pay a caller or give them your myGov access simply to run a search.

Combining accounts can reduce duplicate fees and simplify administration. Before transferring, check whether an account holds insurance, a defined benefit, employer-paid feature or investment that would be difficult or impossible to replace.

If you need replacement insurance, wait for written acceptance and a confirmed start date before closing the old account. Then verify the rollover arrived and update your employer so future contributions go to the fund you kept.

Most employees can choose an eligible fund. If you do not make a choice, your employer may need to request your stapled fund from the ATO or use its default product if you do not have one. Some workplace arrangements differ.

Compare similar-risk options using long-term net performance, total fees, insurance and service. A one-year winner or lowest headline fee does not by itself identify the product that suits you.

Your eligible existing account can usually move with you. Give the new employer the correct fund name, unique superannuation identifier and member number, then check that the first contribution reaches the account.

Read whether the salary offer is plus super or includes it. Update your fund to a personal email, and review insurance if your income, duties or occupation category has changed.

Only in limited circumstances set by law, such as severe financial hardship, eligible compassionate grounds, incapacity, terminal illness or an eligible departing-Australia payment. Each pathway has its own test and decision-maker.

Apply only through the ATO, myGov or your fund and consider free financial counselling first. Promoters who offer to create an SMSF or false paperwork to “unlock” super can expose you to tax, penalties, theft and lost retirement savings.

Funds commonly offer life, total and permanent disability and income-protection cover. Check the insured amount, premium, occupation category, exclusions, waiting period, benefit period and policy definition.

Premiums reduce the retirement balance, but cancelling cover can leave a serious financial gap. Default cover is restricted for many new members under 25 or with balances below $6,000, and inactive accounts can lose cover.

Compare a genuinely similar investment option over the same period, preferably five and ten years where available. Look at the asset allocation and risk first, then returns after fees and tax and whether the option met its objective.

Names such as balanced and growth are not standardised. Past performance is useful evidence but not a forecast, and switching after a sharp fall can lock in losses.

Start with the annual spending you expect, then subtract possible Age Pension and other income. Model how long super must fund the gap and test different inflation, investment-return and lifespan assumptions.

Housing status, relationship, health and retirement date can change the answer substantially. Use a range rather than one universal target and update it yearly as balances, debt and plans change.

Not automatically. The fund trustee pays under super law and the fund rules, taking a valid binding nomination into account. A death benefit can include both the account balance and insurance.

Check who is eligible, whether the nomination is binding and when it expires. Blended families, adult children and tax-sensitive estates should coordinate the nomination, will and broader estate plan with legal advice.

Compare payslips with fund transactions, allow for the applicable payment deadline, then ask payroll in writing for the amount, date, destination and clearing-house reference. Check for rejected or misdirected payments.

If the employer does not resolve it, report unpaid super to the ATO with payslips, statements and employment details. Do not wait until leaving the job if the problem is continuing.

Check the ASIC Financial Advisers Register before engaging an adviser. Ask for the scope, total fees in dollars, conflicts, alternatives and why the recommendation suits your objectives, financial situation and needs.

A fund may offer limited advice about its products, while complex retirement, SMSF, insurance or family-law questions may need broader licensed advice and separate tax or legal expertise.